Advocacy

Advocacy is defined as the action of advocating, pleading for, or supporting a cause or proposal (W. O. Douglas). 

Anyone can be an advocate – those who advocate for girls and women in sport are encouraged to become involved with NAGWS. For more than 110 years NAGWS has been a voice in the world for all girls and women in sport – athletes, teachers, coaches and administrators at all levels.  But advocates are also lawyers and politicians, moms and dads, friends and neighbors…just about anyone.  NAGWS is here for all of you!

Since the passage of Title IX in 1972, sport participation numbers for girls and women have skyrocketed.  Preschoolers learn soccer or gymnastics skills, school-age girls participate in leagues and on teams, and adult women of all ages and abilities carry their love of sport into their everyday lives. Learning to be a better advocate is valuable and it helps those who play now and those who might play in the future. 

NAGWS has long been an advocate for gender equity issues, career advancement, media representation, injury prevention and much more…and you can be an advocate as well!

Celebrate National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) each February by hosting an event in your community and learn more about new legislation and ways you can support girls and women in sport in your community with NGWSD resources.

Help your community understand gender equity/Title IX by hosting a Backyards and Beyond Gathering, premiering NAGWS' new 3-disc DVD set on Title IX, or leading your class or group in a Generations of Title IX storytelling session.

Sign on to support legislative initiatives through AAHPERD/NAGWS' CapWiz access, or read Position Papers posted by NAGWS leaders to help you understand the issues for which you will advocate. 

Whatever action you take, make sure your voice is heard!